Signaling the conclusion of the fourth discourse, Matthew includes the familiar formula, “When Jesus had finished [saying these things]” (19:1; repeated at 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 26:1). The next section takes place to the east of Judea, across the Jordan River (19:1). After summarizing Jesus’s ministry of healing to the crowds (19:2), Matthew narrates a legal debate between the Pharisees and Jesus (19:3–9; cf. 12:1–14). The Pharisees use a question about legal reasons for divorce to test Jesus (“for any and every reason?”). Jesus answers by citing Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, indicating the basis for the permanence of marriage in God’s creational intention that husband and wife be “one flesh” (19:4–6). In turn, the …